THE PARTY-PONY

So, there's this phenomenon out there... or at least it seems like one to me... Some sort of unexplainable force that allows nearly every girl in the world (not me) to "rock" a ponytail. You know, "to rock" teen/cheap fashion magazine slang for "wear well." And I see girls-- around town, on campus, in the gym, on red carpets-- who manage to wear a ponytail well, as if it's calculated into their overall ensemble. Here are some examples:

ZOOEY DESCHANEL, PONY PRO

 BLAKE LIVELY, PONY PRINCESS

 SARAH JESSICA PARKER, REIGNING QUEEN OF THE PONYTAIL

I feel obliged to say here that I'm fairly proficient when it comes to styling hair... but the ponytail is my bête noir. When ever I attempt a pony tail, no matter how much I comb, spray, prod, straighten, curl, torch, it always looks like my hasty plan B. Even though it had been my plan A, and I spent thirty-five unsuccessful minutes attempting to wrangle it into something proper.


I have never, in my life, "rocked" a pony tail... until today.


Today, I gave myself a party-pony, and then I gave it a new name. It took planning, perseverance, and panache, but I did it. And it all started when the thought struck me that I will never, ever be one of those people who can wear a fancy pony. When magazines tout the elegance of the formal pony, I am not the target audience. Then and there, I made up my mind to challenge that notion. 


So this morning, I washed my hair (never the precursor for a great hair day), then used a blow dryer. First, I flipped it upside down until it was about 2/3 dry. Then I flipped it back right side up and pointed the blow dryer straight back level with the top of my head. I kept it pointing back, occasionally angling down the back of my head while moving from ear to ear. I also used the blow dryer to create some volume on top, and I brushed the pony section. The results! My god! Admittedly, this is the first time I approached my "work hair" (recall I work in a deli) with so much diligence, but I am thoroughly pleased. 


It's the classic, soda-fountain bouncy, fun-loving, innocent, Grace Kelly pony I'd always dreamed of. I mean, this puppy is sleek. Alas, while I may one day have the good fortune to recreate this thing of wonder, it will just have to live on in my memory since no photos were taken. Like a unicorn.


Lesson learned: You can't have a bad day when you have a party-pony.

Kate Beckinsale shows us the meaning of the phrase "party pony"

Or when you watch this video:

Wood

Ok, so awhile ago, some guy who knows an acquaintance of mine messaged me on Facebook and asked me if I would model for his sunglass company, Capital (sketch). I did a little investigating-- went to his website, asked my acquaintance about him and the sunglasses, etc. It all seemed legit so I was like "Ok, sure, I guess." This is the part where I have to tell you about my reservations. First and foremost, I am not a model by any stretch of the imagination. Secondly, is this going to be awkward? How will it work? What will I wear? The questions were innumerable.


Well, so the guy, Stephen, came over to my apartment and we kinda went through my clothes and he picked a couple outfits he liked for his product and we set a date for the shoot. (ah, it was all so exciting! like, make-believe! haha)


The day of the shoot arrives and I drink a couple glasses of wine while I do my hair and make up. My hair turned out much frizzier that day than I would've liked, but I kind of have this au naturel technique so I suppose it couldn't be helped. I badly needed a hair cut, to be honest. I've had one since and I so wish I would've had one beforehand, especially now that I see what a difference it made! Oh well... Anyway, Stephen and John (his associate) came and picked me up and we went off to the edge of town and took some pictures of me in their expensive (by my personal standards) sunglasses. 


SO ON TO THE GLASSES...

Me in the Bonnie/Clyde frame with black lenses and the natural finish

CAPITAL Wood Sunglasses (link!)

They. Are. Awesome. They're made of wood. American hardwood, more specifically. They're light as a feather and gorgeous. The boys gave me a pair for my "modeling." Ils sont très chic. I have the Johnny/June frame in the natural finish and I love them! That style is either sold out right now or discontinued? Probably just sold out at the moment. The boys, Stephen and John, make the sunglasses in a garage they've converted to their shop right here in Missoula, MT. They've asked me to let them take more pictures of me so if I'm lucky, I'll get a chance to try on their newest frame, the Ellie. We'll see!


On to Part II of my "Wood"-themed post.
WOODS the band. A coworker of mine burned me their album "At Echo Lake." It was released in May 2010 and I quite like it... It's kind of along the same lines of Avi Buffalo (whom I mentioned in this post). Blood Dries Darker is the opening track on "At Echo Lake." Super pleasant... I love it. The whole album is pretty cohesive and this song serves as a great introduction to the other eleven or so tracks. Totally dece. My only complaint with the album is that once in a while they really get off on a certain type of guitar-solo-tangent that can get a little hard to listen to... but hey, speaking as a major Animal Collective fan, to each his own. Anyway, here are a couple songs. 



(Unfortunately, there wasn't a video available...)


But here's a video so you can appreciate their indie-cuteness! It's the single off their 2009 album "Songs of Shame." I haven't heard the whole album, but it was their first to get a full review on Pitchfork and is supposed to be alright. This music video is definitely pretty darn cute, though. (FYI the guy with the beard does the vocals)





Later, birdies.

New Year's Eve Outfit

Sooo
What to wear on New Years? It's one of my favorite holidays to dress for. So fancy, so fresh.


This is what I'm wearing:

Lace Drape dress from Nasty Gal

Satire Riding Boot, Rocket Dog

The Lace Drape dress is sooo killer. It was definiiiitely an impulse buy but I'll live... because the dress can't go back! I put it on and decided it's too great. The Rocket Dogs I've had for awhile now. Normally, I'd wear mad heels but I'm probably going to a house party as opposed to a bar, so I'm going to tone it down a bit. I'll probably wear shear black tights as well. I'll cover up with a thick black GAP cardigan I've had for ages. I'm also wearing this black sequin headband that may or may not have been stolen from the rival high school's majorette squad one wild summer night when a group of kids broke into their school. Add a black/brown smokey eye with sparkles and BAM! Happy New Year! Smashing!

Music?

Avi Buffalo! I've been listening to them since about May and I really dig it. Ch-ch-check it

Perfect Holiday Beer

Jubelale! Tastes just as festive and wonderful as it sounds! Coming to us from Bend, Oregon's Deschutes Brewery, Jubelale is the perfect beverage to bring to holiday parties. I'll let the brewers tell you why-- they say it way better than I ever could, since all I seem able to say is "Ohmygod, YUM."

 "Every year, fall’s crisp, cool air signals the imminent arrival of winter. Thoughts of snow, friends and family, the holidays, and — Jubelale. Brewed with dark crystal malt creating a luscious holiday note with bountiful hops to excite your taste buds— it’s easy to see why Jubelale is the perfect complement to the season."

The gorgeous packaging changes every year but it's always created by an Oregon artist and always wonderful! I'm particularly fond of this year's look called "Creation of Light" by Natasha Becca. Colorful! Gorgeous! Festive! Joyous! Basically, I'm obsessed. I'm going to be one sad little girl when Jubelale leaves the shelves this year... Oh well, I guess it'll just give me one more reason to look forward to the holiday season next year!

Because we all need a sassy gay friend!

Happy Friday

You'll enjoy this, I swear.

Dark and Stormy

She & Him cover "I Put a Spell on You" on Conan last night. It's an unusually dark and stormy number but a nice departure from She & Him's sugary sweet rep. I'm into it. I love Conan, Zooey, and (perhaps most of all) Matt Ward. Three great things all together. Enjoy.